Q: Hi Bob, I'm new to Brisbane and would like to start growing vegies on my sunny balcony and in window boxes. Are there any off-the-shelf products for that? Would you recommend hydroponics? And is it popular in Brisbane to live in a unit and grow veggies? Thanks for any help. Yael – West End
A: Growing vegetables in window boxes and pots on a sunny balcony is of course, very ‘do-able’ as with growing any other plants on a balcony. No, it is not popular in Brisbane, but does that matter? Go for it, Yael – I only wish other people would emulate you.
There is an ‘off the shelf’ Herb Pot that you may use, but these are generally made of terracotta. I would avoid terracotta pots, for the terracotta material absorbs moisture, which readily evaporates into the air. This means you will have to use more water, and water your plants more frequently, compared to using plastic pots.
Pohlmans Nursery is presently marketing an arrangement of ‘stackable’ plastic pots, which are ideal for the smaller herbs and vegetables. Phone Pohlmans Nursery on 07 5462 0477, and seek their advice as to the closest nursery to you from where you could obtain some of these. You may create ‘mini towers’ of them, and they will save you space. You are welcome to tell them that Bob Dobbs sent you!
There are plastic ‘window boxes’ of many different sizes that you may use. You may also obviously use the ordinary plastic pots, stacked on a series of shelves against the wall at the back of your balcony, and grow vegetables in them in proportion to the size of the pot. This will enable you to grow some of the larger vegetables. You could also set up a small frame of galvanised mesh or a trellis of sorts in a corner, to grow some of the climbers (green peas, and the like).
Yes – hydroponics is an excellent way to go. Depending on which system you use this may eliminate the need for you to lug potting mix and sand up to your unit. You will need some specialised advice here, and there are quite a few hydroponics shops around town who will gladly give you this.
